Anantjeet Singh Naruka gave Indian shooting a big reason to celebrate by winning the men’s skeet gold medal at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championships in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
The event was no easy outing. Strong winds swept across the range, pushing even the best shooters to their limits. But Naruka, calm and focused, held his ground. In the final, he scored 57 out of 60 targets, narrowly beating former Asian champion Mansour Al-Rashidi of Kuwait, who ended with 56. Qatar’s Ali Ahmed Al-Ishaq finished with bronze.
For India, this victory is historic. Skeet has often been a tough event for the country, with shooters finding it hard to break into the top spots. Naruka’s gold breaks that pattern and shows that Indian shooters are now ready to challenge the best in shotgun events as well.
Naruka’s journey to the final was just as impressive. In the qualification rounds, he scored 119 points, finishing second and securing a smooth entry into the medal round. Once there, his composure stood out. Every shot was measured, every move steady. By the last series, it was clear the contest was going down to the wire but Naruka had the extra edge.
His coach, Riccardo Filippelli from Italy, praised him not just for his skills but also for his mindset. “I can only say that he … had great preparation and had a great attitude. His performance in the final was impeccable. I’m proud of him because in addition to being a champion, he is an extraordinary guy. This must be our starting point.”
This gold adds to Naruka’s growing list of achievements. In 2023, he had already made headlines by clinching a silver at the Asian Games. That performance had hinted at his potential. Today’s win proves he has matured into one of Asia’s top shooters in skeet
The competition itself was packed with pressure. Skeet, unlike other shooting events, tests reflexes and mental balance in rapid succession. Targets fly out at sharp angles and unpredictable speeds. Missing even one can change the outcome. To win under such high stakes, especially against seasoned shooters like Al-Rashidi, makes Naruka’s triumph even sweeter.
Anantjeet Singh Naruka’s golden shot in Shymkent is more than a medal. It marks the arrival of India as a serious contender in skeet shooting. For a country that has often dominated rifle and pistol events, this win opens a new chapter in shotgun sport. Naruka’s focus, determination, and ability to shine under pressure may well inspire the next wave of Indian shooters to aim higher.
